Roger Larson 85, of Great Falls passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s and Dementia on June 22, 2017. His last days were filled with love as he was surrounded by family and wonderful caregivers at Peace Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 1315 Central Ave. Great Falls.

Roger was born in Granite Falls, MN on August 3, 1931 to Leone Felska and Oddie Larson. Roger and his younger brother John were raised by their mother in Granite Falls. At the time of

Roger’s graduation from Granite Falls High School in 1949, Roger, John and Leone moved to Conrad, Montana. Upon their arrival, Roger became a salesperson for J.C. Penney which was followed by his enlistment in the United States Air Force quickly achieving the rank of Airman First Class, followed by an honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant. During his tour of duty, Roger was stationed at Kadena AFB in Okinawa with the 29th Air Division. He was recognized by the Air Force with the Korean Service Medal, the Decorated United Nations Service Medal, the Accommodation Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After his overseas service, he returned to Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls. Following his discharge, he began his academic career attending the College of Great Falls, Eastern Montana College, Montana State University and the University of Montana. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree, his Masters of Education in Administration degree and was short only his dissertation for his Doctorate degree. While in college, he worked as a Pharmaceutical Representative for Pfizer, Inc.. With his degrees in hand, he taught school in Billings, then Great Falls before being hired as a School Administrator as a school Principal. During his 25+ year tenure as an Elementary School Principal, he led the faculty and staff at Largent, Roosevelt, Riverview, Longfellow and Chief Joseph schools. After a brief retirement, he was called back into education serving as a Principal in Harlem at Lincoln school for the remainder of their academic year. Following his academic retirement, Roger worked as an Estate Administrator for the US Bankruptcy Court, as an independent insurance agent, at Quality Life Concepts and many people may remember his smiling face as he handed out their license plates at the DMV.

In addition to Roger’s professional careers, he was extremely active in the leadership of numerous civic and recreational organizations. He sang bass in the church choir and was an Elder at First Presbyterian Church. He was President of the local snowmobile club, Vice President of the state snowmobile club, and very active in the Back Country Horseman.  He also served on the board of the Riverview Credit Union for 7 years. Roger was a true cowboy and loved hunting, fishing, skiing, golfing, boating and traveled the world. His love of the outdoors was shared with his family and friends. He was also a proud member of the brotherhood of Elk and was a true Norwegian belonging to the “Sons of Norway” where he entertained us all by eating gobs of lutefisk with gallons of butter!

Roger had a previous marriage and raised 2 sons.

On October 15, 1984, he married the love of his life, Toni Dvoracek Hosley. Together they shared a lifetime of wonderful memories traveling and enjoying their very special love. They were inseparable (except for hunting camp every November).

He was preceded in death by his mother Leone and step-father Fred Choate and brother John Larson.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Toni; children Brian (Kim) Larson, Gary (Robin) Larson, Heidi (Dave) Marto, Heather (Matt) Hough; 8 grandchildren, Kelan (Leah), Shay, Bryden, Dustin, Alexa, Brenden, Ethan, Connor and 3 great grandchildren, Rylee, Witten and Lachlan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Great Falls Rescue Mission, Intermountain Children, Eagle Mount, or the charity of your choice.

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